ROHTAK: Veteran Bengal batter Anustup Majumdar scored an unbeaten 137 -- his 12th first-class century -- as the visitors made a strong start in their Ranji Trophy Group A match against Haryana on Tuesday.
With Bengal in prime spot to make it to the Ranji quarter-finals as they are leading the group with 25 points, the 38-year-old Majumdar gave them a solid start, guiding them to 335 for six on day one of the match at the Chaudhary Bansi Lal Cricket Stadium in Lahli.
Abhimanyu Easwaran (57) and wicket-keeper Abhishek Porel (49) were the other key contributors for Bengal as the group leaders made the hosts toil, scoring at a healthy rate of 3.72 runs per over.
Harshal Patel was the most successful Haryana bowler, grabbing three wickets for 60 runs in his 18 overs, even as the hosts utilised seven bowlers to restrict Bengal, but to no avail.
Anustup's knock came off just 193 balls at a strike rate of nearly 71 as he picked the occasional loose deliveries to dispatch them to the boundary ropes.
The veteran of 75 first-class games has so far scored 14 boundaries and if Anustup continues in the same vein on Wednesday, he could surpass a personal milestone -- his highest first-class score of 159.
Earlier, it wasn't a dream start for Bengal -- they were 72 for two -- but once Easwaran got going and the team passed the century mark, it was smooth sailing with Anustup going after the bowlers.
At stumps, Anustup and Pradipta Pramanik (23) were at the crease.
Haryana, on the other hand, would look to break the partnership quickly on Wednesday and ensure the visitors are bundled out for a sub-400 total.
The season hasn't gone the home team's way, with the team led by India white-ball cricketer Harshal Patel having just one win to show for so far. Haryana are currently placed fifth with 12 points.
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